The Pakistan Business Council (PBC) hosted the fifth annual Pakistan Economic Forum on December 13, 2018 at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. The event invited important people from various sectors such as the automotive, iron and steel, IT, and chemical industries, and also high-ranking officials from the government, including Prime Minister Imran Khan and Finance Minister Asad Umar.

Asif Peer, CEO Systems Limited presented an insightful presentation to the honorable attendees and participants on the significance of prioritizing the IT industry in today’s digital age. He shed light on Pakistan’s robust IT landscape and its potential to achieve outstanding results with sufficient aid from the government. He said that with proper government support, the IT industry could accelerate Pakistan’s economic development and create numerous jobs, comparable to other sectors like the textile industry.

Asif Peer’s presentation placed particular emphasis on the affordability of the country for IT & ITeS businesses, which can be a key contributor to attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) to Pakistan and enhance the country’s financial status. He highlighted key measures through which the government could aid the industry and urged for the inclusion of freelancers, small firms, and IT & ITES companies in official export to reflect correct statistics, as they bring around $2-3 billion of remittances into the country.

In his address to the participants, Prime Minister Imran Khan assured industry leaders that appropriate policies and steps are being planned by his government to introduce a business-friendly culture in Pakistan, which would encourage investment in the country. He added that his government is also focusing on improving the competitiveness of local industries and products to boost exports and export revenue.